hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1102 Practice Question: Migrating from Windows 7 to Windows 10 and needs…
A company is migrating from Windows 7 to Windows 10 and needs to automate the installation of 200 workstations with identical software and settings. They have a reference computer already configured. Which Windows tool should they use to capture and deploy a custom system image?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often confuse Sysprep with Windows SIM, thinking that creating an answer file is the same as capturing an image, but Sysprep is the prerequisite generalization step that makes the image safe for cloning, while Windows SIM only creates automation scripts.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
System Preparation Tool (Sysprep)
Sysprep is the correct tool because it generalizes a Windows installation by removing unique system identifiers (such as the computer SID, computer name, and driver caches) so that the reference computer’s image can be safely captured and deployed to multiple workstations. After Sysprep runs with the /generalize option, the image is captured using a tool like DISM or ImageX, then deployed to 200 identical workstations, ensuring each machine generates its own unique SID and settings on first boot.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Windows System Image Manager (Windows SIM)
Why it's wrong here
Windows System Image Manager (Windows SIM) is a tool primarily used to create and modify answer files, which are XML-based configuration files (unattend.xml) that automate the Windows installation process. While essential for defining settings, drivers, and applications for an unattended deployment, SIM itself does not capture or deploy the actual operating system image. Its function is to prepare the instructions for installation, not to create or distribute the generalized image.
- ✓
System Preparation Tool (Sysprep)
Why this is correct
The System Preparation Tool (Sysprep) is a critical utility for preparing a Windows installation for imaging and subsequent deployment to multiple computers. It generalizes the operating system by removing system-specific data, such as unique Security Identifiers (SIDs) and hardware-specific drivers, making the image hardware-independent. This process ensures that all deployed machines start with a unique identity and avoid conflicts on a network, making it the indispensable first step before capturing a deployable image.
- ✗
Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)
Why it's wrong here
Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) is a specialized diagnostic and repair environment designed to help users troubleshoot and recover from serious system errors or boot failures. It provides tools like Startup Repair, System Restore, and access to the Command Prompt for advanced fixes on an individual machine. However, WinRE's functionality is focused on system repair and recovery, not on the enterprise-level task of capturing and deploying custom operating system images to a fleet of workstations.
- ✗
Windows Backup and Restore
Why it's wrong here
Windows Backup and Restore is a utility designed for creating full system image backups or file-level backups of an individual computer for disaster recovery purposes. These backups are typically tied to the specific hardware configuration and unique identifiers of the source machine at the time of backup. Consequently, they are not generalized or suitable for mass deployment to different hardware configurations across an organization, as they lack the necessary Sysprep preparation to ensure uniqueness and compatibility.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Windows Editions and Features
Key term
Windows
Windows is a family of operating systems developed by Microsoft that manages computer hardware and software, providing a graphical user interface for users to interact with their devices.
Key term
Windows 10
Windows 10 is a personal computer operating system developed by Microsoft that combines the familiarity of Windows 7 with the modern features of Windows 8, designed to run on a wide range of devices from desktops to tablets.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1202 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1202 exam.